SAM WOLFE: 2013 Pictures of the Year

Sam Wolfe's favorite photos of the year for 2013.

Mullet jump from the water while being chased by predators near Humiston Park in Vero Beach on Thursday evening. Large schools of mullet are currently making their way along local beaches, bringing in with them fish such as snook, tarpon, jacks, mackerel and sharks.

Hans Heynau (left) stands next to his telescope as visitors to Astronomy Night at the DuPuis Management Area check out planets and stars on Saturday night. Eight members of the Treasure Coast Astronomical Society were on hand with their telescopes for visitors to look through, as well as to answer questions about the celestial bodies visible in the night sky.

Tommy Coleman, 11, of Sebastian, flies off the top of a wave while surfing at Sebastian Inlet State Park on Tuesday afternoon. Coleman, who started surfing at age 3, started competing in 2009 at age 5. "I saw my dad do it (surfing) and then I wanted to try it," said Coleman. "It just stuck."

Bob Rohrer of Archer, FL, reaches for a calf while competing in the steer wrestling competition on the first night of the PRCA "Wide Open Rodeo" at the St. Lucie County Fair on Friday night. Riders from across the country are competing in the fourth year of the event.

Jerome Robinson (center) of the Harlem Ambassadors basketball show goes up for a dunk during the team's game against Florida Comets All-Stars, made up of members from the Indian River County Sheriff's Office, at Sebastian River High School on Thursday evening. The game was as a fundraiser for the National Alliance of Mental Illness in Indian River County. Money raised for the nonprofit goes toward advocacy, support, education and research on mental illness. Meetings are open to the public and are held at 6:30 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month at 1836 14th Avenue in the United Way building.

A helicopter from the Florida Forestry Service carries water to be dropped on a 60-acre brush fire near Interstate 95 on Wednesday afternoon. The fire shut down both north and southbound traffic through the area for hours.

Visitors to South Jetty Park in Fort Pierce watch as the full Hunter's Moon rises over the ocean Friday evening. Though not easily visible, the moon also rose during a subtle penumbral eclipse which lasted until nearly 10 p.m. The next lunar eclipse visible from Florida will be total eclipse April 15, 2014.

The 'Despicablimp' passes through the skies over Fort Pierce Inlet while traveling down the coast Tuesday afternoon. The 165-foot long blimp, is being used by Universal Pictures to promote their upcoming film Despicable Me 2 that opens on July 3. The progress of the blimp, which travels at a maximum speed of 45 miles per hour, can be followed at www.despicablimp.com.

A river otter looks up as he swims near the Vero Beach Power Plant on Saturday afternoon. The playful mammals are often seen around the Indian River Lagoon and local waterways, where they hunt for food such as fish, crustaceans, small reptiles and amphibians such as frogs or lizards.

Indian River County Commissioner Joe Flescher (right) laughs as Missy Elward of Panache' of Vero Beach Salon and Day Spa shaves his head at Capt. Hiram's during a fundraiser for the St. Baldrick's Foundation on Saturday afternoon. "Sebastian has just opened their hearts," said Martha Powers, of Vero Beach, who was volunteering at the event. "The people have been phenomenal." Several local officials including members of the county commissioner and Sebastian City Council participated in the event which was held to raise money for research to help cure childhood cancer. The fundraiser far exceeded it's $50,000 goal and by Saturday afternoon had already raised over $87,000. For more information of the organization visit www.stbaldricks.org.

Rachel Christensen, of Albert Lea, Minnesota, is checked out by a cat at the Humane Society of Vero Beach and Indian River County during a visit to the shelter to play her harp for the animals on Wednesday morning. "I've been a long time harpist, and I've noticed throughout the years that my own animals have been attracted to the sound of the instrument," said Christensen, a Certified Therapeutic Harp Practitioner who is visiting Vero Beach for two and a half weeks. "Whether they're my own animals or places that I'm visiting, animals just seem to love the sound of the harp." Christensen isn't the only person to visit the shelter to perform for the captive audience. Volunteer Rita Faillace, who also plays the harp, has also been bringing her instrument to the shelter to serenade animals waiting to be adopted.

Ned Childress of the Guardian Angels leads a chant of 'Break the silence, stop the violence' while walking down Avenue M in Fort Pierce on Saturday afternoon. "We decided to form and organize this march to see if it will help curb some of the killing and shootings here in St. Lucie County," said Childress, who lead a group of several hundreds supporters on the three-mile march. "We decided on this march because we believe there is strength in numbers and this will help curb some of the shooting."

Bradley Mower (left) and members of the Vero Beach High School varsity football team warm up before the start of their game against Lake Minneola on Friday, September 13.

Ned Childress (left) and Mark Peterson, members of the Fort Pierce Guardian Angels Gang Unit, keep an eye on passersby at the intersection of Avenue E and 23rd Street in Fort Pierce on Wednesday evening. "Our focus is Fort Pierce because Fort Pierce needs individual attention," said Peterson.

Emily Long (right) celebrates following Vero Beach High School's 17-3 win over Bartram Trail in the FHSAA State Finals at West Orange High School.

John Baughman of Vero Beach, who served as a sergeant in the Marines from 1997 to 2008, kneels in front of a Soldier's Cross following the Memorial Day ceremony at Veterans Memorial Island Sanctuary.

A pair of pelicans are silhouetted by the setting sun near Pelican Island on November 27th.

Spencer Chenoweth (right) of Vero Beach High School fends off the tackle of Jake Bakkedahl of Martin County High School during their game Friday night at the Citrus Bowl.

Rushad Eggleston, a cellist from California, kicks up his leg as he works with students during a class at the Mike Block String Camp on Wednesday afternoon.

Comet C/2011 L4, also called comet Pan-STARRS after the Panoramic Survey Telescope and Rapid Response System telescope in Hawaii that discovered it, is seen in the sky west of Fellsmere on Thursday evening. The comet was visible in the through roughly March 20th.

Danielle Nevarez of John Carroll Catholic High School dives for a fly ball to right field during the Rams' game against visiting Trinity Prep Wednesday evening in Fort Pierce.

Claudette Morin (right) of Micco is reflected in a decorative mirror created by Lisanne Robinson while attending the Sebastian Riverfront Fine Art and Music Festival on Saturday afternoon. "(We come) every year," said Mary Wrynn (left) who was attending with Morin. Robinson, the director of the event, said the turnout Saturday has been steady. "The crowd this morning was phenomenal, despite the weather," said Robinson.

Jody Houston (right) of Fellsmere Elementary School gets a hug from her husband Ken following the 2014 Teacher of the Year Gala on Wednesday night at the Performing Arts Center. "It's wonderful," said Ken after Jody was named the teacher of the year for Indian River County. "She's worked so hard for it."

Jeremiah Johnson (center) of Treasure Coast High School celebrates with his teammates following the Titans' 59-54 win over Vero Beach High School during their district final game Friday night.

A school of tarpon, roughly five feet in length, swim along the reef off Humiston Park in Vero Beach on Sunday afternoon. The fish, highly sought after by fisherman, are currently migrating along the coast of Florida and have been spotted at St. Lucie, Fort Pierce and Sebastian inlets. Tarpon upwards of 100 pounds are commonly seen during the summer feeding on large school of baitfish off the beach, as well as in the Indian River Lagoon.

Freddie Woolfork, director of public relations at the Gifford Youth Activity Center and a fixture in the Gifford community, bows his head in prayer during the second night of the revival held at New Mount Sinai Missionary Baptist Church on Thursday evening. Community leaders such as Woolfork have been outspoken to denounce the recent violence that has occurred in the area and are pushing members of the community to stand up against the acts.

Indian River Charter High School put on a performance of Alice in Wonderland at the school earlier this year.

Karson Turner, a county commissioner in Hendry County, waves to a farmer while driving past sugar fields in Clewiston on October 16. "That (sugar) mill is the heart of our region, not sure the City of Clewiston," said Turner. "They're great stewards. Not only are they great stewards of their resources, but they're great supporters of these communities, not just the City of Clewiston and not just Hendry County. They do a tremendous amount for this region."

T. L. Porter (center), of Myers International Midways, hands down a horse to David Roberts (left) and Ed Parker while setting up the Merry-Go-Round Wednesday evening for the Frog Leg Festival.

Savannah Cone (right) of Jensen Beach High School jumps over the block of Amanda Lusignan of Suncoast Community High School during their game at Jensen Beach on Friday night.

Greg Bryant, of American Heritage, celebrates with the school's girls softball team following their 1-0 win over Bishop John Snyder in the FHSAA Class 3A state finals at Vero Beach Sports Village. "They say I'm a good motivator," said Bryant, head football coach at the school who also assists in coaching other teams at the school." I came to support them and keep their head up, and it happened." American Heritage won the game after an error at first base in the bottom of the 7th inning allowed the winning run to score from third base.

Members of the Martin County High School girls bowling team cheer on Christina Perez after making a strike in the finals of the 2013 FHSAA Bowling Championships in Orlando on Thursday evening. The Tigers' ultimately fell to Oviedo High School and finished second in the state.

Seth Pierce of Vero Beach is silhouetted by the setting sun while kiteboarding on the Indian River Lagoon in Sebastian on Wednesday evening. "This week is uncharacteristically windy which has been great" said Pierce, who has been kiteboarding for the past 6 months. "It's just awesome." The strong east winds of the past week are forecasted to slow down this weekend, according the National Weather Service.

Keirsten Coyle, an animal care technician at the Humane Society of Vero Beach and Indian River County, dries off Teo, a 5-month old pointer mix, after giving him a bath on Thursday afternoon. All dogs at the shelter are bathed at least once per week.

Nate Simmons (center) of Martin County High School is lifted up following the Tigers' win over St. Petersburg High School on Saturday night.

Joseph Clark (left) of Fort Pierce Central breaks through the diving tackle of Marquis Morgan of Vero Beach High School during the Cobras' game against the visiting Fighting Indians on Friday night.

A banded water snake swims past a blooming waterlily Wednesday afternoon at McKee Botanical Garden. Over 100 varieties of waterlilies will be on display Saturday for the annual Waterlily Celebration.

Elza Ward (left) sits with his wife and Genevieve at the couples home on Friday afternoon. The couple, who were married in Kentucky on July 2, 1938, will be celebrating their 75th wedding anniversary next week.

Maria Cristales (right) holds up a mirror for Tatiana Hurtado, 2, after having her face painted during the Party In The Park at Kids' Crossing Playground on Saturday afternoon. "This (park) is something that's been really good for the community," said Tatiana's mother Laura Hurtado, who said she has been visiting the park since she was a kid.

Sam Vaughn (center), quarterback for Fort Pierce Central High School, celebrates the Cobras' first touchdown during their game against Fort Pierce Central at Lawnwood Stadium.

A snook shakes his head out of the water as Greg Kipping tries to bring in the fish at Sebastian Inlet State Park. The fish was lost moments later while attempting to net it.

Jason Popovich (right), a member of the graduating class of 2013 from South Fork High School, hits a beach ball around the gymnasium at the school during graduation Tuesday evening.

Indian River Charter High School put on a performance of Alice in Wonderland at the school earlier this year.

Madeline Medina (left) gets a hug from Michael Brantley, a baseball player with the Cleveland Indians, during a fundraising event at Big Apple Pizza in Fort Pierce. Medina is the mother of Christian Medina who was killed in a traffic accident in October. Scott Van Duzer (right), owner of the restaurant and head of the Van Duzer Foundation, organized the event to help raise money for the Medina family as well as the family of Peter and Timothy Green who were injured in the crash.

Toni Robinson, of Vero Beach, looks over the phalaenopsis orchids being sold by Adkins Orchids during the first day of Gardenfest! at Riverside Park on Saturday afternoon. "It's a wonderful selection," said Robinson. "I love the orchids." The show, organized by the Garden Club of Indian River County, started 12 years ago.

Keanna Starks (center) of Vero Beach High School rounds second base after teammates Sarah Rider (left) and Megan Fahd of St. Lucie West Centennial collided while attempting to catch the throw to the base.

Elijah Richardson (right) of St. Lucie West Centennial High School fends off the tackle of Christopher Harper of Sebastian River High School during their game in Sebastian on Friday night.

The sun rises over Jensen Beach and the Indian River Lagoon on October 31, 2013.

A tarpon leaps from the water while feeding on mullet near Humiston Park in Vero Beach on Thursday evening. Tarpon, weighing up to 150 pounds, are often seen feeding in bait pods during the annual mullet run.

Barbara Eakins, who started The Cat's Meow Rescue and Adoption Center, laughs as she carries a 3 1/2-month old kitten named Tater at the shelter Wednesday afternoon. "All of my cats are spayed or neutered and have all their age appropriate shots," said Eakins who currently has nearly 50 cats available for adoption.

Jane Rivera (right) screams as she rides the Fire Ball with Kaleb Seltzer, 6, during the opening night of the Firefighters' Indian River County Fair on Friday evening.

Cheryl Hoye, who spends the winter in Indian River Shores, celebrates with her border collie Splash after winning her first MACH title during the Treasure Coast Kennel Club's Agility Trial being held at the Indian River County Fairgrounds on Friday afternoon. "This is what everyone here is after," said Hoye, who has been competing with her 7-year-old dog the past 4 years. In addition to the trials, being held from 8 a.m. until roughly 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, the Vero Beach Gun Show is also being held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Behind the fairgrounds, teams from the Florida Youth Soccer Association will be competing in the Region B Cup Soccer Tournament at the Hobart Soccer Complex.

Justin Enrico (right) of Vero Beach High School goes up for a layup as Jeremy Falzarano (center) of Sebastian River High School attempts to block during the Sharks' game against the visiting Indians on Saturday night.

New Mount Sinai Missionary Baptist Church, located on 28th Avenue, is one of nearly a dozen churches spread throughout the community of Gifford.

Skylar Granito sings on stage at the Performing Arts Center at Vero Beach High School during a rehearsal for the musical All Shook Up on Tuesday evening. More than 60 students, including actors, band members and stagehands, have been practicing for the performance since September. Among the musical numbers being performed are Hound Dog, Don't Be Cruel and Blue Suede Shoes, all originally performed by Elvis Presley.

John Talmadge swings Amy Trammell into the air during their performance in Dancing With Vero's Stars at Riverside Theatre on Saturday night.

Hannah Palau (center) gives teammate Hannah Pridemore following Vero Beach High School's 17-3 win over Bartram Trail in the FHSAA State Finals at West Orange High School.

Emily Callari of Martin County High School reacts after making a strike during the Tigers' team bowling match against Oviedo High School on Thursday morning. Martin County went on to lose to the Lion, 1-3.

Rick Shoemaker, of Fort Pierce, picks up an old fishing rod from the bottom of Sebastian Inlet while volunteering in Marine Cleanup Initiative's 13th annual cleanup dive at the inlet.

Sha-mar Pierre (back left) and Corey Taylor (right) of Fort Pierce Central break up a pass to Jalen Wyatt of Treasure Coast High School during the Cobras' game against the Titans on Friday night.

Pastor Major Lanier (left) of Rivers of Waters International Ministries in Maitland baptizes Laurence Flowers, of Vero Beach, in the Indian River Lagoon along the Wabasso Causeway on Wednesday evening. "Wherever there spirit of the Lord tells us to go, wherever there's a need, it's the responsibility of anybody that is a servant of the Lord to move when he says move," said Lanier. In all, four baptisms were performed during the service. "It is so awesome," said Mother Abbie Collier (foreground) of the church. "It is the work of God. Now they are headed for eternal life."

Former Florida governor Jeb Bush stands next to the podium as he answers questions following his speaking appearance at the Emerson Center on Saturday afternoon.

Diego Restrepo (center), the driver of a tractor trailer that caught fire on westbound State Road 60 Wednesday afternoon, speaks with lieutenant Sheldon Lewis (left) as firefighters extinguish his truck. Restrepo, from Tampa, was hauling a load of tile grout when a fire started from a fuel leak, according to Keith Sims, deputy with the Indian River County Sheriff's Office. Several rounds of ammunition which were in the cab of the truck fired off as a result of the fire, but no one was injured in the incident.

Cindy Nichols, the founder of Angel Wings Parrot Rescue, pets Tinkerbell, blue and gold macaw, at her home-based rescue Thursday afternoon. "Our hope is to find them their forever home, where someone could take care of them forever," said Nichols. The rescue currently houses a variety of macaws, cockatoos, quakers and other parrots that are in need of homes. "She'll be a permanent resident here unless the right person comes along who she picks," added Nichols.

President Barack Obama exits Air Force One after arriving at Palm Beach International Airport at 8:27 p.m. Friday evening. The president will be spending the weekend at The Floridian Yacht and Golf Club in Palm City.

Shane Strong, who works with Strates Shows, attaches cables while setting up the Fire Ball ride for the upcoming Indian River County Firefighters' Fair on Tuesday afternoon.

Lynn Gray, of Melbourne, celebrates with her five-year-old labrador retriever Zee after completing their run in the Palm Bay Agility Club's AKC Agility Trial at the Indian River County Fairgrounds on Thursday afternoon. "This is a spectacular facility," said John Courtney, president of the club, adding, "It's such a high when you have that unique, perfect run. It's a high like you can believe." Over 2,000 runs will be made by the dogs competing in the event.

Johan Magana (right) of Sebastian River High School scores a goal after a missed block by Alex Acciavatti of Port St. Lucie High School during the Jaguars' game against the visiting Sharks on Wednesday night.